MPs want a public holiday to celebrate the Queen’s sapphire jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II.Stuart C. Wilson PA Wire/PA ImagesLONDON — A Conservative MP is leading a campaign for a day of national holiday to celebrate the Queen's sapphire jubilee.

Andrew Rosindell, the member of Parliament for Romford, said it would a missed opportunity if Queen Elizabeth II's 65-year reign on the throne was not marked with a public holiday.

He said the milestone anniversary, which the Queen passed on 6 February, could be marked with a day of celebration in June, with Brits throwing street parties in Her Majesty's honour.

Rosindell told Press Association: "It's almost certainly going to be a very long time before any monarch gets anywhere near 65 years. It's the first time we've had any sapphire jubilee and if we let this go by and don't have some sort of national day of celebration, it'll be a missed opportunity."

The Tory MP said he has been given time to introduce a Queen's Sapphire Jubilee Bill into the House of Commons on Tuesday, which will rubberstamp a day of celebration. Rosindell also said the idea has been welcomed by Prime Minister Theresa May.

"I have personally spoken to Theresa May about the idea and she was certainly positive in her approach to this. I hope the government will put some ideas to Her Majesty for her agreement and hopefully in June have a celebration," he explained.

UKIP MP Douglas Carswell also supports the idea, according to Press Association. "The Queen has been a brilliant figure in Britain and the Commonwealth throughout her lifetime, and this milestone is all the more reason to celebrate her achievements," he said.